Why Barack Obama in 2008!!

[12thMan]

I think Edwards will jump back in it. As far as Warner, look at Arnold S., for instance, he's a Governor but he still has national appeal. Even if you don't live in the state of California, some have an opinion about his politics. The average joe living outside of the D.C. area don't know who Mark Warner is, much less his politics. Many people know George Pataki because he's Gov. of NY., and the events surrounding post 9/11. If you ask the average voter to name, let's say 3 to 5Governors across the country, they would probably start to struggle to name them after three.

Bush Jr. came in on the heels of dad's legacy. Reagan was well known before he got into politics. Even Jimmy Carter had an interesting story that gain him national appeal, he was known as the guy who owned a peanut plantation for crying out loud!!

All I'm saying is 'who you are' isn't everything, but it does go a very long way in the minds of voters until they can actually sort through the fray for themselves.